It takes two: 17 sets of twins set to start school in 'Twinverclyde'

Schools in Inverclyde are bracing themselves for the second highest number of twins on record starting school next week.

A total of 17 sets of the sibling parings will begin P1 on August 18, in an area which has become known as “Twinverclyde” for its high rate of twins.

This year will see the second-highest twin count for Inverclyde following a record 19 sets in 2015.

Most of this year’s class gathered at St Patrick’s Primary in Greenock for a dress rehearsal ahead of the big day next week, with 15 of the 17 sets in attendance.

The school, along with Ardgowan Primary, will each welcome the most pairs of similar siblings with three sets each joining their respective P1 classes.

STV News got chatting to some of the new pupils to learn more about the delights of starting school together.

Excitement was high, with four-year-olds Aria and Sam saying they were most excited about playing with some new toys.

Dad Colin said the pair were “more than ready” to cause some double trouble.

“They’re very excited, I think – they’re more than ready now. They seem to be really looking forward to it,” he told STV.

“The way they’ve been blended into going to the school for days, here and there – it’s given them a good feel for what’s ahead of them.”

The class of 2023 will take the Inverclyde twin count to 147 sets since 2013, which is an average of 13 sets each year.

Depute provost Graeme Brooks said: “It has become an annual tradition in Inverclyde, or Twinverclyde as we’ve become known, to welcome our twins into primary one.

“Excitement is definitely building for the start of the new term next week and what better way to look forward to that than seeing the pupils here looking resplendent in their uniforms.

“It’s also a good bit of fun for parents too – and a handy dress rehearsal ahead of the real thing next Friday.

“We’re lucky to have so many incredible schools here in Inverclyde with every one renewed or extensively refurbished, including St Patrick’s which was rebuilt and opened in 2016, thanks to the council’s unprecedented £250m investment in our schools estate.

“But schools are nothing without the children, staff and families who make them and it’s great to see some of the next generation coming through here today and I wish them all the very best as they embark on the next stage of their education journey.”